It’s confession time, but I hope it helps you, so it’s worth it. I sometimes – maybe often – struggle to maintain hope throughout daily life. Struggles mount as mistakes are happening, ideas are getting shot down, money grows tighter, and personal time gets in high demand among life’s trials. We could also throw in health issues, traumatic events, automobile breakdowns, behaviors of children, etc. My point is, life is a struggle and it sometimes seems like the light that once shone so brightly has been consumed by overwhelming darkness.
Don’t worry, this is no cry for help and I am not planning anything drastically life altering or ending. I just want to share with you that I feel these feelings of desperation and hopelessness at times. This is despite the promise of a living hope in Christ as described in 1 Peter. This is despite knowing that the things of this world are temporal and our time here is really secondary to eternal life in Heaven.
I grew up in an environment where depression ruled the homestead. I have seen darkness that consumes your every thought. I have seen and experienced these struggles and I have spent a lifetime trying to rid these attributes from my life.
But I have yet to have genuine contentment. At times, it seems, even in Christ.
We all struggle to maintain hope at times in our lives. Turn your back on the darkness and allow the light to shine in your life. Photo Credit: Martin Gommel via Compfight cc
Does this mean I no longer believe in the promises of which I dedicate my life? Does this mean there is no hope? Does this mean we are all utterly lost to the darkness? No. And here’s some ways to overcome those times where all hope seems lost.
When Hope Seems Faint
- Begin in Prayer
Nehemiah is regarded as a great hero of Scripture. He beat the odds by mobilizing the remnant of Israel to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem. It began with a quiet, unspectacular step by Nehemiah. He made an earnest prayer, asking God for restoration of Jerusalem and committing himself to obedience in the matter (Neh 1:5-11).Nehemiah’s prayer has far-reaching results. It inspires us to see prayer as the catalyst toward any purpose. In sincerely committing our concern – our loss of hope and genuine desire to regain it – to God, we gain a position of strength that is rooted in God. - Stop shoveling darkness
Spending your time focusing on the darkness in your life leads to your inability to acknowledge light. Be Brave. Hold out your Light to hold back the flood of dark. Hat tip to Ann Voskamp. - Go after “small wins”
The longest journeys begin with a single step. Put a check in the win column. A couple or few small wins in a row begin to add up and then momentum builds. As it does, it progressively improves your outlook.
These are just a few of my mechanisms. Now I am interested in hearing yours. We’re all in this together and genuinely want to hear from you. Feel free to comment on this post or shoot me an email.
Enjoyed your candid style of writing. Yes, the struggle is real. Sometimes too real!
But there is a coming Kingdom of God that has been promised by Jesus. We get a little taste of it now here on this earth. I think the more I get over my “hang ups” one by one, the more I get to enjoy the Kingdom even now.
But for now, its only a taste, but the fullness of the Kingdom is still in the future. But the small taste we get is so good that I can’t wait for the whole thing.
Life throws enough trash at me to keep me down, yet I know the best is yet to come.
Nice blog, Chad. Keep it up.
Thanks for visiting and commenting Alexi. So value your participating here at 1Glories. Yes, the best is yet to come!
In the midst of the occasional “down” time or doubts, we often feel like we have to hide it because as Christians, life should be all roses and rainbows. We sometimes carry the notion that if we were REALLY devoted, we would never have these moments. It’s no wonder why many non-Christians have a hard time with the church…it doesn’t seem “real” at times. I love that you are sharing that it is real, but it doesn’t have to defeat us. Pray and talk to others; do life together. Nice post!
Sometimes the loneliness takes over and makes it difficult to see hope. I’m struggling with this now and could sure use some of your ideas, Chad!
“Pray and talk to others; do life together.” Wonderful statement. Thank so much for visiting and sharing Shawn
Theresa, so good to hear from you and thanks for keeping in touch. Always here for you! Will try to share some other ideas here soon.
I make sure to have alone time with God and look for the things good in my life and thank him for it. I have found the hard times are when I pull close to him and we deepen our relationship. I try to genuinely thank him for the hard times and try to be open to what he is trying to teach me. I also try to look for ways to help others and take the focus off of me. You can always find someone who is going through something too.
I, too, have had an on-again/off-again relationship with depression throughout my adult life. As well as with God and church. Even though Im a ‘cradle Catholic’, all of my family attends mass regularly, and my grandma even founded the 24 hour adoration chapel at St. Jude’s, I’ve never felt completely at home there. But somehow, no matter what drives me back to attending church or actively praying, I always find an overwhelming peace that washes over me. A little less weight on my shoulders. A little more like can at least handle that day’s, that hour’s or even that moment’s challenges. And I agree, relish in the small accomplishments. Today was having my resting heart rate under 100, after discovering some cardiac issues last month. OK, it was 98, but still under 100! Small steps. When a problem or stress seems so large and too much to handle, it’s so easy to just get overwhelmed and run instead of facing it… So easy to forget the tiny blessings we get every day. A funny comment from your kids, a smile from a stranger, the fact that while not having a clean bill of health we’re still here and kicking! It’s amazing how much we can hide by keeping a smile on our face and a cheery, light hearted disposition. Fake it till you make it, right? But we all need a little help sometimes. It’s rare that, whatever your struggle is, there isn’t someone out there that can relate, make you feel less alone. God is always a good listener and always sends what you NEED, although it may not be what you thought or want. I’m glad that you’ve found a way to work through your struggles through family, blogging, and being close to Him. Thanks for sharing all that you do. I’ve seen your posts on FB, but never really dove into your blog… I will in the future! Good to see you are doing well, Chad!
Side note: as my family is growing, I’m longing to find a church that mixes both some of my Catholic (I lean towards Christian vs Catholic in my beliefs) roots and my fiance’s Lutheran/Christian upbringing so that we can all attend together. I’ve been to a few non-denominational churches, but they feel foreign and uncomfortable to me, as I’m not used to so much singing, eating during the service and even AV presentations that rival a Pink Floyd concert. Im used to formal, sit-stand-kneel-recite prayer type mass. Any suggestions of a place of worship that you, or other readers, have would be more than welcome! I live on the NE side of FW now, if that helps.
Hi Krystle. Thanks for visiting and commenting. Ao glad to hear about your relationship with God and the gratitude you have for His blessings in your life.
Hi Rose! So good to hear from you and learn more about your walk. I am not sure how far you are willing to drive, but I can certainly suggest a vibrant and welcoming church that upholds Biblical standards in Auburn. 😉 Like you, I was raised Catholic, and my grandparents were quite devoted to that church up to their final breaths. I never was moved, inspired or got a feeling of connection to God during my limited time as a Catholic – was baptized, had my first Communion and was told I could stop going as a third grader. Didn’t step foot into a worship service again until the summer after high school. I will pray for you and your family that you will for encouragement, direction and ultimately a leading to the right flock where you can find the encouraging support and intimacy your seeking. Blessings and thanks.